In reality, can this approach be used to a far wider extent: can it really be transferred to the many, distinct segments of the German healthcare system? In Böttinger’s opinion, the solutions that will significantly improve healthcare will be comprehensive cloud-based solutions that can cross all sectors to integrate data, with this data even being managed by the patients themselves. In comparison to the official infrastructure of telematics, this would save costs, improve the quality of care, enable care to be user-oriented and ultimately offer the patient more comfort and convenience. Böttinger added: “The health card could be a step in this direction”.

Data as a business model? Not for doctors and clinics.
Currently, electronic health cards aren’t the driving force behind developing cloud-based solutions. It’s actually powerful groups such as Amazon and Google that are driving this forward in the healthcare system. Undoubtedly, their interest in this is commercial. This could pave the way for other service providers: “I think that confidence and trust are particularly important in medical research” said Böttinger. He believes that German healthcare facilities should use data, provided that patients have actively consented to this. “However, using data as a business model hasn’t ever been considered as an option for doctors and hospitals”, underlined Böttinger. Instead, solutions which serve the interests of the public are far more important, e.g. the HPI wants to develop a comprehensive health data platform. The digitalization of medicine should automatize many services, such as documentation and issuing prescriptions, and free up medical staff for more important tasks. “Lightening the burden of our colleagues is one objective in our work”. Böttinger makes this an integral part of his projects. The drive to empower the patient does not contravene this objective, because ultimately everyone can benefit from excellent therapy and care for ill people.



Combining big data and AI saves lives
The empowerment of the patient is also one of xbirds’ objectives. The victor of the eHealth Venture Summit at last year’s MEDICA HEALTH IT FORUM has set itself a lofty goal: “By 2020, we want to have saved a million lives". This objective should be achieved by using big data and artificial intelligence (AI). The app that they have developed collects all available data from smartphones or other end devices such as wearables, fitness trackers and smart watches. These data are “combed through” for situations which occur concurrently with undesirable events, which have not actually occurred but which are statistically significant. In a nutshell: The reading and collection of vital function and movement data can be compared to parameters that are typical for the occurrence of certain incidents or symptoms and supply advice on whether the user of the app is at risk of a relapse or if their condition may get worse.

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